Overturning Penal Logic: Learning from Warriors, Headhunters and Genocideurs

• In Event: Roundtable: Teaching Penal Abolition

Abstract

Changing the deeply ingrained myths and rituals that surround penal practices in modern societies, from the cradle to the gallows, is a gargantuan undertaking. This paper looks to history in the least likely places-- ancient societies, both warrior and peaceful, and modern post-genocide and post-colonial settings-- to explore some unique and compelling perspectives on harmdoing and alternative approaches for effectively dealing with social transgression.

Author

• Wendy C. Hamblet, North Carolina A&T State University